Introduction

Black walnut trees are prized not only for their nuts but also for their beautiful wood. However, they produce a chemical called juglone that can be harmful to some neighboring plants. If you have a black walnut tree in your yard and want to plant something around it, you need to be cautious and choose plants that can tolerate juglone.

What is Juglone?

Juglone is a natural toxin found in black walnut trees. It is present in all parts of the tree, including leaves, bark, and nuts. Juglone is released into the soil through the roots and fallen leaves, and it can remain in the soil for up to two years after the tree has been removed. Juglone is toxic to many plants, and it can cause stunting, wilting, yellowing, and death of affected plants.

Plants That Can Tolerate Juglone

Fortunately, some plants can tolerate juglone and grow well near black walnut trees. These plants include:

Black raspberry

Mayapple

Ferns

Columbine

Virginia creeper

Goldenrod

Sweet woodruff

Wild ginger

These plants have evolved to tolerate juglone and can grow well in its presence. However, it is important to note that the concentration of juglone varies depending on the age and health of the black walnut tree, so even these plants may show some signs of stress if the concentration is too high.

Plants to Avoid

Some plants are highly susceptible to juglone and should be avoided near black walnut trees. These plants include:

Tomato

Potato

Pepper

Blueberry

Azalea

Rhododendron

Lilac

Hemlock

These plants are highly sensitive to juglone and can suffer severe damage or death if grown near black walnut trees.

Conclusion

Knowing what plants can tolerate juglone and what plants to avoid is essential for successful gardening near black walnut trees. By choosing the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in the presence of a black walnut tree.